Winifred Ugwueze is the Founder of Tech Sisi, a digital agency that teaches in-demand tech skills as well as a marketing agency that offers marketing services.
Three years ago, she could never have imagined getting to this point in her life.
She was an auxiliary nurse with dreams to go to a medical school until the day she slumped while on duty.
When she got admitted, the diagnosis came back in a shocking twist that completely changed the direction of her life, she had a heart condition and she could no longer work a 9-5.
Stories From Nigeria reached out to her for an interview and she granted us an audience while shedding more light on her story.
SFN
1. What was the moment you first realized your heart condition wasn’t just “a phase”?
Winifred
It got to a point when the doctors started asking me to come back for my monthly checkups every week and then, when I asked why I keep coming back without a permanent solution, they said I can be managed.
SFN
2. How did your illness affect the way you saw your dreams and timelines?
Winifred
I wanted to go to medical school. Although a lot of things affected me, when I had the money to start going to school, I thought about the stress and how I wouldn’t be able to cope.
SFN
3. What’s something you’ve built (in your business) that people would never believe you did while battling pain?
Winifred
Uhm. I’d say Tech Sisi Academy.
Most people see the wins — the students, the growth.
But what they don’t see is that I do these while battling chest pain and episodes that force me to lie down mid-task.
SFN
4. What does a typical “bad health day” look like for you and how do you still show up?
Winifred
There are days I can’t even get out of bed due to pain, but in a way, I know it’s now like a part of my life so as long as my hands can move and my eyes can see, I get the work done.
I definitely rest when there’s nothing much to do till I feel better.
SFN
5. If you could tell your heart one thing, what would it be?
Winifred
Don’t fail me too soon.
Winifred is a strong example of striving through pain with grit and perseverance. Despite all hurdles around her, she’s built an agency that has trained 5000 Africans in digital skills, making them affordable for the average man.
If you are inspired by her story and wish to support her vision, our account details are written below.
Her social media handles
Instagram : winietreasure
Her agency: techsisiacademy
